Antares Launch Failure

Here's a link to yesterday's launch failure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSr4hUcROwo&feature=youtu.be

No-one injured which is great news, will have to wait and see what caused it, the rocket motors are soviet built and one exploded during testing earlier this year...

Soviet ? :blink:

Yes, soviet... NASA are currently outsourcing most services to get the best value for money... The N1 rocket motors are updated versions of the ones that were used for Soviet moon missions

http://gu.com/p/42p3x/tw Hopefully that link will work

They are really 50 year-old rockets ??? :ohmy:

No wonder then, if a few blow up on the launch pad. :pinch:

Out-sourcing in terms of 'collaboration' is understandable.

Out-sourcing in terms of cleaning 'out' the cellar of a cooperative that no longer exists is lunacy. Multi-billion €uro lunacy ... :whistle:

I agree, I was bitterly disappointed when they pulled the plug on the shuttle. There are arguments against space exploration, like the money could be better spent on hospitals, poverty and a cure for cancer. But then consider all the money spent on wars. I don't want to get into a huge debate about self-defence but I really do think mankind is missing a trick when it comes to space exploration.

I totally agree with you there, Oberon.

I feel that space exploration is essential to us as a species. We have been explorers ever since we climbed down out of the trees. It is why we are so keen on "adventure" stories now. It forms the basis of our mythology because it is such a vital part of us, not the other way around ...

The thing is, the space shuttle herself is 35 years old. Even before we started going for rides around the planet in that one (1981), there were better designs -- just more "expensive". Go figure ... :S

We don't have to argue about Defence. It is a silly venture. That is why enemies are conceptual ones now : war on drugs, war on terrorism ... and to defend 'interests' rather than actual 'people'.

I'd be all for channelling more of the funds blown (no pun intended) on military spending into space exploration. Hell, we should have already been to Mars.

We're late ....

I'm hopeful there will be a change of heart with the U.S. Government about space exploration soon. I'm wildly excited about the prospect of putting a lander on a comet next month...

I remember being late for work watching the last Mars landing, this one will be absolutely mind-blowing if they manage it!

http://blogs.esa.int/rosetta/2014/10/29/cometwatch-26-october/

One of my first memories is watching the Space Shuttle Columbia land at Edwards Air Force Base after the first mission in 1981. One of the most vivid memories of my childhood was watching the Challenger explode after takeoff live on television.

I have always been fascinated by space exploration and the incredible feats we have achieved in our efforts to reach out into the universe around us. Not just technologically, but as human beings. The ingenuity and courage of the Apollo 13 crew is particularly inspiring. It is sad that we have abandoned so many of our efforts after the sacrifices made by so many to lay the foundation for us.

I am optimistic that we will soon realize the importance of exploration as a driving force of new technology as well as a common goal that can bring us together in cooperative collaboration. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

i too fail to understand why they use modernized ancient engine designs. why not use the old ICBMs straight out of the box like others do, or proven technology like soyuz or even ariane with larger payloads? In fact, why not build a saturn 5 again and just lift 10 years worth of supplies in one go?

One aspect of space exploration that I find interesting is the collaborative aspect. We have the international Space Station and use Soviet rockets (although, like Alexandre pointed out, that's for reasons other then friendship). When we look at most science fiction that covers space exploration, by the time we encounter aliens and can really go out there the earth is united. It unites because suddenly it is very small in comparison to the universe it's in and it forces us to realize our similarities more than our differences. I really want to see if it actually works out that way.

http://www.orbital.com/NewsInfo/MissionUpdates/Orb-3/

Update on the Antares Launch explosion

Oberon Novastar wrote: I remember being late for work watching the last Mars landing, this one will be absolutely mind-blowing if they manage it!

http://blogs.esa.int/rosetta/2014/10/29/cometwatch-26-october/

Seen this yet!? Nice way to advertise the mission, looks like they are using 'the Force' :woohoo: :side:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H08tGjXNHO4

I posted it on the wall yesterday, but couldnt resist posting it again here

It seems there has been another private space company accident, this time with possible loss of life:

http://gizmodo.com/virgin-galactic-experiences-first-major-accident-possi-1653360863


I believe sometimes we forget that these companies operate at the very edge of what's humanly possible right now. My thoughts are with those involved.

Update: [strike]Virgin Galactic have now confirmed the accident. According to their Twitter feed, the fate of the two pilots is unknown (they're unaccounted for).[/strike] - one of the pilots is reportedly being airlifted to a hospital. May the Force be with him.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/30/us/antares-rocket-explosion/

The fate of Antares... Hadn't heard about the Virgin galactic crash, just got back from work... Will catch up

Just saw on the news that one of the pilots has died

May the Force receive him and be with his family and friends

That Rosetta video is brilliant!

October 31, 2014
RELEASE 14-306
Statement from NASA Administrator on Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo Mishap

The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Charles Bolden:

“On behalf of the entire NASA family, I offer our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the pilot lost in today’s accident involving Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo, and we are praying for a speedy recovery of the other pilot.
“While not a NASA mission, the pain of this tragedy will be felt by all the men and women who have devoted their lives to exploration. Space flight is incredibly difficult, and we commend the passion of all in the space community who take on risk to push the boundaries of human achievement.”